On March 30, 2025, the Hague Apostille Convention officially entered into force for Bangladesh, following the country’s accession on July 29, 2024. This marks a historic step, replacing the old consular legalization system with a single apostille certificate for international document recognition.

🔗 Official Source: 1961 Apostille Convention enters into force for Bangladesh

🔗 Official Source: Bangladesh accedes to the 1961 Apostille Convention

What Is the Apostille Convention?

The 1961 Hague Apostille Convention simplifies cross-border authentication of public documents. Instead of multiple embassy stamps, one apostille certificate confirms:

  • The signature on the document
  • The authority of the signer
  • The seal or stamp it carries

This certificate is valid across 120+ member countries.

Apostille in Bangladesh – Eligible Documents

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) is the designated authority for issuing apostilles in Bangladesh. It has also launched a digital e-Apostille system with QR code verification.

Common documents that can be apostilled include:

  • Powers of Attorney
  • Deeds of Assignment
  • Agreements (Service, Franchise, License, Partnership, NDA, MOU)
  • Affidavits and Statutory Declarations
  • Educational, birth, or marriage certificates

⚠️ Private documents must be notarized before they can be apostilled.

Benefits of Apostille Legalization

✅ For Individuals: Faster visa processing, simplified attestation of personal certificates, easier global mobility.
✅ For Businesses: Smooth company registration abroad, simpler cross-border contracts, IP licensing, and trade.
✅ For Legal Professionals: Quicker filings of POAs, affidavits, court orders, and IP documents worldwide.

Apostille Process

1. For Bangladeshi Documents Abroad:

  • Notarize (if private).
  • Submit to MoFA for apostille.
  • Use directly in Convention countries without embassy attestation.

2. For Foreign Documents in Bangladesh:

  • Apostille the document in the issuing country.
  • Submit directly to Bangladeshi authorities (no embassy/MoFA legalization needed).
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Limitations – Countries Objecting to Bangladesh’s Apostille

While most nations accept apostilles, some countries have objected: Germany, France, Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Finland, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Greece, and Argentina. For these, consular legalization may still be required.

🔗 HCCH Notifications & Status Table

Final Thoughts

Bangladesh’s entry into the Hague Apostille Convention is a major milestone. It saves time, cuts costs, and streamlines global document recognition. From students and families to businesses and lawyers, everyone benefits from this simplified system.

💬 Need help with Apostille in Bangladesh? Contact SUPREMEiP Law Firm:
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